Arba Minch University hosted the 22nd International Symposium on Sustainable Water Resources Development from June 14-15, 2024. The symposium aimed to provide a platform for professionals, researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to disseminate sustainable water resources development researches’ findings and experiences.Click here to see more photos.
Keynote Speaker H.E. Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo, Deputy Minister for Water and Energy of Ethiopia, highlighting the challenges and opportunities related to sustainable water resources development, said that Ethiopia's limited per capita water share needs sustainable management of trans-boundary rivers for various uses. H.E Ambassador Asfaw remarked that Ethiopia's commitment to using water as a source of cooperation for shared prosperity and its reliance on water diplomacy for managing water issues in the Horn of Africa is based on international guidelines and laws. He also emphasized the need to develop water resources for the benefit of the citizens and stressed the importance of research in addressing long-term challenges in the field.
Dr. Abdulkerim Seid, Director of the International Water Management Institute/IWMI/, delivering his keynote at the symposium, emphasized the role of innovative digital technology in improving water management decisions. He explained the potential of earth observation data in filling data gaps related to water resources in Africa and discussed how digital innovation offers promising solutions to current challenges faced by water management professionals. The emerging opportunities and prospects for addressing the increasing complexities of water management tasks, providing valuable insights for the symposium attendees and others were part of his elucidations.
Opening the ceremony, AMU President, Dr. Damtew Darza, stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach to sustainable water resources management; he also noted Ethiopia's underutilization of its water resources and vulnerability to drought and flood impacts as areas requiring attention. The university is committedly contributing to Ethiopia's development mission by training numerous water professionals; so far, it has launched 10 PhD programs in water science and technology, the president emphasized.
Arba Minch Water Technology Institute/AWTI/ Scientific Director, Dr. Bogale G/Mariam, said, as a professional institute within a research university, Arba Minch Institute of Water Technology aims to engage with leading practitioners, regulators, and scholars, fostering a rich dialogue and exchange of ideas. This sustainable symposium for more than two decades showcases such an effort, he remarked. Dr. Bogale also explained that from 80 submitted papers, the featured 20 papers of which 17 and 3 were presented orally and with poster respectively covered a wide range of topics including hydrology, renewable energy, irrigation, and climate change impacts.
Dr. Tesfalem Aberham from Hawassa University, sharing his findings on the topic “Towards Cooperation on the Three Large Dams on Transboundary Rivers in Ethiopia Achieving a win -win Balance between Upstream Hydropower Generation and Downstream Water Demand under Climate Change” said that the complexities of hydropower development, water demand under the impact of climate change and the necessary cooperation ranges needed for mutual benefits are identified.
Mr. Abeba Alemu from Addis Ababa University, presenting his research on the expanding influence of Middle Eastern regional powers and its implications for Ethiopia's national security briefed Ethiopia’s challenges to access to Red Sea ports and its strategies to counter the threats. The geopolitical landscape of the region, the escalating competition and power struggles between powers would challenge Ethiopia in ensuring its security, he underlined.
Winding up the symposium, Bahilu Merdekios/Assoc. Prof/, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement, said, the outcomes of symposium, the successes and values, should be well-tapped in promoting innovative solutions for water resources development sustainability. He acknowledged the special contributions of sponsors including the Ministry of Water and Energy and the International Water Management Institute as well as the keynote speakers for their efforts to share up to date scientific advancements of the discipline.
AMU top and middle level officials, H.E. Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo, Deputy Minister for Water and Energy of Ethiopia, Dr. Abdulkerim Seid, Director for International Water Management Institute/IWMI/, researchers, and other stake holders graced the two-day event; the participants were awarded certificates.
Dr. Samuel Dagalo, Director of the AMU Water Resources Research Center, anchored the event.
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